The point of view is that of limited omniscience, which
alternates between the perspectives of Inman and Ada. As we
see into the characters we find they each have a unique point of
view about the significance of the land, but the poignancy of
each nuance of nature prevails in their thoughts.

The unique point of view is that of Inman as a southern
Appalachian man. The story is woven around the events of the
Civil War, but the perspective of mountain people is seldom
discussed in history books. Through Inman the reader sees the
pointlessness of the killing by the Home Guard and the
Federals, and the pain of the women who are alone as a
consequence of the war.

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Other Elements

The story and characters of Cold Mountain have certain
parallels to The Odyssey of Homer. Inman, like Odysseus is a
soldier/warrior who is battle-fatigued and is trying to get home.
Further, each obstacle, each rogue, encountered along the way
teaches the wayfarer more about himself. The patience,
humility and endurance required confer upon him a worthiness
of his goal. Meanwhile, Ada, like Penelope, faces problems of
her own at home, and when Inman/Odysseus finally arrives, he
finds suitors/Ruby vying for the attention of his beloved.

Homerís Iliad tells about the battles of the Trojan War. His
Odyssey, as sequel, tells about wanting home and peace. Cold
Mountain, as sequel to Inmanís Civil War battles, is the story
of those same wants. This desire for home is the central theme
that ties The Odyssey and Cold Mountain together.